Treatments

Frequent Nosebleed Treatments

Frequent nosebleeds can usually be treated at home. Seek medical attention if you are unable to make the bleeding stop on your own.

Home care for nosebleeds can include:

• Sitting forward to avoid swallowing blood.
• Apply pressure to your nose – holding both nostrils shut with your thumb and index finger – and breathe. Hold position for 10-15 minutes. 

After the bleeding stops:

• Don’t blow your nose or pick at the clot for the next 12 hours.
• Don’t bend or lower your head below your heart for the next several hours.
• Don’t drink alcohol or hot liquids for the next two days.
• Don’t take ibuprofen or aspirin. If you take a prescription blood thinner, talk to your physician.

To prevent further nosebleeds:

• Keep the air in your home or workplace moist with a humidifier.
• Apply petroleum jelly or antibiotic ointment in the nostrils to keep the skin moist.
• Use saline spray to keep the entire lining of the nose moist.
• Avoid picking your nose or blowing vigorously.
• Don’t smoke.

If you seek medical attention, treatment for your nosebleed may include:

• Packing the nose with gauze to stop bleeding
• Medicated nasal spray
• Cauterization (burning with an electrical device) of the blood vessel that’s bleeding
• Surgery to remove polyps, tumors or otherwise stop the bleeding